SanDisk 2 GB MicroSD TransFlash Card - 2 GB On This Tiny Thing? Amazing!

After playing around with our new 3G cellular phones for a couple of weeks I finally decided it was time to accessorize. I don’t mean with cases, those we already had. I’m talking memory expansion and USB connectivity. It’s time to turn these puppies into the true multimedia marvels they were intended to be. So off I went last week in search of MicroSD cards. What I found was that the capacity range for the MicroSD cards went from 256MB to 2 GB and the prices were very reasonable for the amazingly small size of these memory cards. I opted for the 2GB card as I wanted maximum capacity to store MP3s, photos, and maybe a short video capture or two.

The Card

ScanDisk’s 2 GB MicroSD/TransFlash Card is incredibly small at about 1/4 the size of a standard SD memory card and uses TransFlash technology that was invented by SanDisk in 2003. MicroSD cards are the world’s smallest memory card type at roughly the size of a pinkie fingernail or 0.43” x 0.59” x 0.04”. Data transfer rates for these cards are very fast and have been listed at read and write speeds of up to 10 MB/sec or 66x, however actual transfer speeds will depend on the device being used. The cards have an operating voltage of 3.3V and this low energy draw makes them perfect for cellular devices. The 2GB capacity is enough to store almost 500 MP3s or over 1000 images at 6 megapixels.

Since these cards were designed for MP3 capable cellular phones SanDisk is thoughtful enough to include an adapter into which the MicroSD card is inserted. The adapter is basically the same shape and size as a standard SD card and can be used with any device that has an SD or Multicard reader, making data transfer between PCs, laptops, and other devices very easy. The MicroSD card also comes with its own small, clear storage case that holds both the MicroSD card as well as the adapter.

SanDisk initially released the 2GB MicroSD cards to only Verizon Wireless customers back in August of 2006, but now the cards are available through a few major retailers. In-store inventory was difficult last week after Christmas but I managed to find one. It is probably easier now but I would still recommend calling ahead. The MicroSD card was specifically designed for use with MP3 capable cellular phones and SanDisk worked with cellular phone manufacturers to ensure the 2GB card is widely accepted and compatible with virtually all new cellular phones using MicroSD cards. Currently many phones using MicroSD memory require software updates to use the 2GB cards. Check with your provider to see if your phone needs to be updated before making a purchase.

The Manufacturer

I know a lot of people feel including information about a manufacturer is just filler or can be found on the manufacturer’s website. I like to include it because, as a consumer myself, I like to know a little about the company making the item I’m thinking about buying. Please feel free to skip over this section if this information isn’t important to you.

SanDisk is the world’s largest manufacturer of flash memory cards and is also the only company in the world with rights to both manufacture and sell all flash card formats. Not only is SanDisk the largest manufacturer but it is also the creator of much of the technology. The company itself is headquartered out of Milpitas, California was founded in 1988 by Dr. Eli Harari. Dr. Eli Harari is an industry leader who has previously held high positions in development at Intel, Hughes Aircraft, and Honeywell. With sales of over $2 billion, SanDisk is a company that will be around for years to come.

My Experience

I was truly amazed when I opened up the plastic storage container a looked at the 2GB MicroSD card for the first time. It really is unbelievably small. So small in fact that I was a little concerned about it getting lost. Inserting it into our new phones was very easy, although I felt the need to be more careful than usual with handling such a small card. At first I didn’t think the card was fully inserted as I’m used to a more positive ‘click’ when inserting memory cards. I pressed the card again and did indeed feel a slight click as it popped out so there is a mechanism to lock it into place.

After using the cards for a week I’m very happy with the results. I’ve been using a USB data cable to transfer songs and images between my laptop and PC to the CU500 and the transfers are very quick. An entire album of MP3s transfers in maybe 10 to 15 seconds. Although the 2GB card won’t compete with a 30GB iPod by any means, it is plenty to store as many MP3s as I want to listen to in a week with room for photos as well. As a bang for the buck item this memory card has to rank near the top.

Price

The SanDisk 2GB MicroSD card has an MSRP of $119.99 which is what I paid, but I’ve noticed a few post holidays sales closer to $100. Online retailers seem to be selling them for around $70 if you don't mind waiting.

Warranty

The SanDisk 2GB MicroSD card comes with an incredible 5 year warranty.

In The Package

- 2GB MicroSD/Transflash card
- SD adapter card
- Clear plastic storage case
- User Guide